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Chair Wicklund explained the developer was hearing comments about energy and how this <br /> could be handled. He stated there was a desire to make this development very, very unique, <br /> especially in Minnesota. He asked if there were practical strategies and energy solutions that <br /> should be understood or should be implemented at this stage in the game. <br /> Director Collins stated in terms of timing, the market may not be ready today, but the project <br /> required the installation of a spine road and mass grading. She commented on how it would be <br /> a few years before vertical construction would begin. During this time, federal dollars could <br /> flow into this project. She wondered how markets would continue to change in the next three <br /> to five years. <br /> Mr. Stutz commented it may be a hard sell to convince buyers to spend an additional $30,000+ <br /> more on a zero net home that was all electric. However, he anticipated there would be a <br /> demographic that would be willing. He explained if this development were branded as an <br /> energy leader, this may draw people to the community. <br /> Mr. Duval stated finding a balance would be key. He encouraged the JDA to find promising <br /> partners, such as Xcel, in order to pursue this initiative. <br /> Commissioner Monson thanked Mr. Stutz for his comments. She indicated she does a lot of <br /> high level policy work with top energy people from the State of Minnesota. She reported she <br /> understood the ability to execute an all electric community was difficult given current human <br /> behaviors. She asked if the developer would have any areas where there would be a mix of <br /> retail with residential. <br /> Mr. Shaver stated a retail node sits on the southeast portion of the site. <br /> Chair Wicklund asked if the developers were seeing an increase in offices in homes. <br /> Mr. Shaver stated working in place or working from home was on the rise. He discussed how <br /> the collaborative spaces within multi-family developments were being utilized by tenants. <br /> Mr. Stutz discussed how traffic patterns were changing and more residential home now had <br /> separate offices. <br /> Commissioner Fabel questioned if the construction and architectural standards needed to be <br /> modified for this project. <br /> Mr. Lux stated he did not see any need on the multi-family side. <br /> Mr. Stutz stated he believed the current standards were fine. <br /> Commissioner Fabel noted he recently worked on a Habitat for Humanity project in <br /> Minneapolis. He asked if this type of project could be incorporated in this development. <br /> 10 <br />